What 2,369 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Srt

Airbags failed to deploy in head-on collision at between 40-50 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11746433

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11740556

Drivers airbag did not deploy in car accident that included substantial front and back end damage to vehicle. This vehicle was purchased used, and from a used car dealership just months prior to accident. Buyer had vehicle further inspected by a neutral third party to ensure safety. The side impact airbags deployed on impact. Head injuries were sustained when drivers head hit the sun visor then the windshield. There are pictures of the vehicle after the accident. The vehicle is currently in possession of the insurance company in another state. There was no indication that the airbag was defective prior to the accident.

NHTSA ODI 11724129

Driver side Headrest Airbag Yes vehicle is available for inspection. No accident Yes injury The driver side headrest airbag deployed while driving without an accident happening. I suffered whiplash and headaches after the incident that happened on January 18th, 2026. The headrest airbag deploying could have caused an accident but lucky for me I was able to pull my vehicle over safely. There is a possibility of going to the doctors if neck pain and headaches continue. I will be taking it to the dealership on Tuesday January 20th, 2026 to find out what caused the airbag to deploy. It has not been inspected yet but will be tomorrow January 20th, 2026. No warning lights came on before or during the airbag deploying.

NHTSA ODI 11711983

On November 6, 2025 at 11:59 AM, the active head restraint on my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited deployed without impact as I adjusted the driver’s seat into an upright position. This was a spontaneous mechanical deployment inside the cabin of a stationary vehicle. The dealership confirmed this as a known failure involving the internal plastic retaining clip that holds the deployment pin. This defect was previously covered under a 10-year extended warranty that expired in November 2024. At the time of the incident, I was alone in the vehicle. I later sought medical evaluation for head, neck, shoulder, and lower back pain and was diagnosed with a cervical strain. Because this failure occurs without collision, it presents a serious risk of injury to drivers and passengers. I regularly spend time with elderly individuals in personal, non-commercial contexts and occasionally transport others in my personal vehicle. In such a population, an in-cabin mechanical deployment of this force could cause catastrophic injury. The manufacturer and warranty programs have declined to assist with repair due to expiration despite acknowledging this as a known defect. Estimated repair cost is approximately $1,000. I am submitting this report for documentation, safety tracking, and defect pattern analysis. Submitted by: [XXX] REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11704136

The anti collision avoidance systems did not engage. Instead it seemed the vehicle sped up. It did not engage to stop a collision, I was at almost a stop. Vehicle seemed to speed up. Anti-collision systems did not engage at all. This system worked previously. It did not brake automatically nor avoid a collision. It caused an accident & there were minor injuries & totaling 2 vehicles mine (2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland) & the other party to accidents truck.

NHTSA ODI 11687490

The contact owned a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, multiple warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed smoke emitting from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible. In addition, the electrical throttle illuminated, and the temperature gauge displayed it was hot. The fire extinguished on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and informed the contact that the wires were damaged by the fire up to the location where the starter was located. However, no cause for the fire was found. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the vehicle was sabotaged. The vehicle had unknown electrical work completed on the vehicle. However, the vehicle failed to start. Most recently, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle's mileage was 224,495 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage on the title was 26,270. The insurance company was not notified. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,585.

NHTSA ODI 11676967

I was stopped in traffic at approximately 16:00 on Tuesday 5/27/2025. All of the sudden the drivers side headrest deployed with force, hitting me in the back of my head and pushing my head and neck forward. Since the incident I am experiencing pain in my neck.

NHTSA ODI 11663317

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-voltage battery warning light illuminated and white smoke exited from under the hood compartment. The contact stated that the failure occurred directly as he arrived at his residence. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact noticed a crackling sound. The contact used the water hose and sprayed the engine down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump and an unknown belt. The contact was informed that the coolant pump and the unknown belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light illuminated, and white smoke exited from under the hood compartment. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact noticed that the alternator was fire-red. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11633236

The contact owned a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while her son was driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son and the other passengers exited the vehicle and walked 20 feet away. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was severely burned from the front end to the rear seats. There were no injuries sustained. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605644

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --It was taken by Jeep when they repaired it. They likely have it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? --I was at a complete stop when the headrest deployed into the back of my head causing sever injury. There was no impact. The headrest slammed the back of my head. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? --Yes, and there have been news reports about class action suits, but there was no recall. In fact, they notified owners that if you hadn't had a problem then you're okay. No need to do anything. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? --Manufacturer (jeep) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? --No

NHTSA ODI 11602962

We have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 5.7L Hemi engine. Today on XXX, we were moving slowly in traffic on a street in Linden, New Jersey, and suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself. My wife pressed on the brakes all the way to the floor but the vehicle kept jumping forward - the engine was revving and trying to move the vehicle forward while my wife was firmly pressing on the brake pedal. Because we were in stop and go traffic, the vehicle eventually lurched into the car in front of us and caused an accident. The front of our vehicle was damaged as was the rear of the car in front of us. This sudden acceleration has happened a few times in the last 3 years. During the previous instance of this sudden acceleration, on [XXX] we also hit a car in stop and go traffic. The air bags deployed and we had extensive repairs done because of that. This happened another time as well. During that instance, we did not hit anything, and the only way we were able to stop the car was by switching the gearshift to the Park position. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11594496

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while in reverse and attempting to shift into the Park position, the vehicle rolled backward independently and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was able to be driven. No police report was filed. As a result of the failure, the shifter needed to be moved upwards before being able to shift the gear in the park position. A few years later while coming to a slow stop to place the vehicle in park, the gear shifter failed to remain in park. The vehicle continued to roll forward causing the rear driver-side door to hit the barrier around a nearby mailbox. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. No police report was filed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Investigation ID Number: PE15-030 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they were not able to diagnose the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11584388

The problem with my vehicle is with emissions system which was covered under the Ecodiesel Extended Warranty lawsuit the EPA filed against the manufacturer Stellantis. My jeep has been down at Crystler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships for 2 years. The extended warranty states they would repair problems, but they have not. I was told today that they will only give me 8741 for my car but they want to keep it. I’ve had to go to the hospital twice from the first dealership that had my car for a whole year giving me carbon monoxide poisoning. I’ve been paying full coverage insurance for 2 years. This manufacturer has placed and is placing me in a hardship. They said they would/ coukd repair my car and stayed in writing they would have certified techs working on my car, they had the parts manager working on my car and almost killed me. Now, their leadership is trying to bully me into selling them my car for this low ball amount. Why didn’t they offer to buyback before putting me through 2 years of hell. Is it Leah’s to breach a binding legal contract they agreed to honor. I am aware they are to suffer penalties for not honoring the warranty, and for not keeping databases updated by VIN. I was told my parts weren’t covered for months, I had to constantly show them the warranty said the parts were covered they trying to charge me for. I want my vehicle fixed under the extended warranty. I want compensation for this excessive time, and for them not honoring the consent decree they told the EPA and NHTSA they would honor. Please help me get my vehicle fixed under my extended warranty. My car is covered til 199,189 miles or May 13, 2024. I really need help, the manufacturer is not adhering to the consent decree they promised the government and NHTSA they would.

NHTSA ODI 11580027

While driving the vehicle the headrest deployed striking the driver in the back of the head. Action happened while turning onto a residential street. Driver stopped to access the damage. Driver sustained a headache from impact. Headrest will not reset. If system deployed while driving down the highway it could have resulted in traffic accident. Concern for the owner as subject has severe spinal issues and impact could result in fatal damage. There is no codes visible at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11579975

Our car was stopped and then engine started intermittently lunging forward for no reason. Rear ended the car in front of us and had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. Jeep Corp sent an independent inspector to check the car but only shared the car was drivable and didn't say there was a problem. They wouldn't share the computer findings with us or the dealer, only that is was drivable. They also wouldn't allow the dealer to see the computer while it was being tested. The car is currently parked and we bought another car. Waiting for Jeep to cover replacing parts or do something to the Jeep before it has another accident.

NHTSA ODI 11564008

I have Grand Cherokee SRT 2014 I am from Saudi Arabia. I was driving my vehicle in the right lane at a speed of 40 miles. There was a vehicle in the second lane that swerved onto my vehicle and forced me to crash into a light pole. The airbags did not deploy as the vehicle stopped due to the impact and not the brakes. I was hit while driving, and because I was wearing the seat belt, my rib cage muscles and other injuries were torn. Please investigate and help me. I have never got any fault in regard air bags even after the access ther is no fault light .

NHTSA ODI 11560826

The vehicle was running but in park. I was putting air in my tires and heard something. I looked towards the passenger front and seen smoke coming from up front. The air ride pump caught on fire and melted wires, hoses, and the inner fender cover. I was able to put it out quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11551256

traveling on S Sterling Street in Morganton, NC on the morning of July 12, 2023. We were going speed limit20 mph on a one way street, then car made rumbling sound and accelerated on its own at approximately 60-70 mph. I put on brakes,but car did not slow down...weaved thru traffic to avoid hitting anyone..could not get car to slow down and unfortunately hit a car in front of us. All persons were taken to hospital..myself, my wife and person in the other car that was impacted. All persons suffered broken bones. Both cars were totaled. Since accident have read up on this type vehicle accelerating on its own. We were lucky no one was killed. This needs to be looked into before it takes a life.

NHTSA ODI 11536232

Started the car and heard a high pitched whining coming from engine compartment. Reversed the vehicle about 20-25 feet and smelled burning rubber and then smoke started coming from the engine compartment. Turned off the vehicle and opened the hood, and saw that smoke was coming from the alternator. The alternator continued to smoke for approximately 15-20 minutes. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic as it was completely inoperable at this point, and we had to have the alternator and battery replaced, as well as a wiring harness. The replaced alternator was shown to us by the mechanic and it was black and melted in spots. This seems related to NHTSA Safety Recall T36/NHTSA 17V-435, but NHTSA site is showing no open recalls for the vehicle and Chrysler insists the vehicle is not under any recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11533722

The contact owned a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the vehicle stalled, causing the contact to crash into a tree. The contact sustained injuries, and medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. Additionally, the contact stated that when he turned off the AC, the vehicle would shut off. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into drive (D) it inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11525826

The engine had smoke coming from under the hood, the technician said the PVC hose was disconnected. I had just picked my jeep up after a year of being at the dealership consecutively and got carbon monoxide poisoning, had to go to my doctor and the emergency room. https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/2014-wk2-ecodiesel-occasional-smoke-from-under-or-engine-compartment.232597/

NHTSA ODI 11514889

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 35-40 MPH, the message "Low Volt" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that he heard an abnormal squealing sound coming from the hood and he noticed a burning rubber odor. The contact was able to drive to his nearby residence where he noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated upon opening the hood, he noticed smoke and flames coming out of the alternator. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the water hose. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic the next morning. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the alternator experienced a short circuit. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under the recall as the VIN was not included. The independent mechanic replaced the alternator and the battery. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but advised the dealer and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11493936

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle in her residence, the vehicle hit a tree. The contact stated after she shifted gears to Drive, she lost control of the vehicle, which cause the vehicle to crash into a metal gate and into a brick wall. The contact stated she did depress the brake pedal but it failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained bruises on her left arm and left leg from hitting the steering wheel. The contact did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed since it was her residence. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called the insurance company and had the vehicle towed to a towing lot. The insurance company has not assessed the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11491912

My son started the Jeep Monday morning and the engine light came on which has never happened before. Then something occurred under the hood and there was a fire. Luckily my son was able to get to a garden hose and put out the fire but now I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has fire damage and needs to be taken into a Jeep dealership for repairs. I have only had the vehicle for a little over 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11486614